Effects of different latency periods on fingerlings production using Clarias gariepinus (African mud catfish)

Abstract

The research was carried out in the Fish Hatchery of the Department of Fisheries, Teaching and Research Farm, Modibbo Adama University. Clarias gariepinus belongs to the family Clariidae. The latency period had been demonstrated to affect fingerling production in C. gariepinus. Fifteen (15) gravid broodstock females weighing 367 to 1000 g and males of 800 to 1200 g were used at different latency periods of 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 hours designated D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5. Three replicates of the female broodstock were injected with 0.5 ml Ovaprim for each latency period. The number of 1 g of eggs from each treatment was D1 (847), D2 (705), D3 (847), D4 (692) and D5 (847). Percentage fertilization was highest in 11, 13 and 15 hours latency periods (99.19%, 97.66% and 99.33%) respectively; and were significantly different (p<0.05). Percentage hatchability was highest in 13 hours latency period 63.73% and the least was in 17 hours latency period (1.99%). Unhatched eggs were higher in a latency period of 17 hours (5612). Number of hatchlings was highest in latency period of 13 hours. The highest percentage survival was in a latency period of 11 hours. Any attempt to improve fingerling production in C. gariepinus should consider the effect of the latency period in relation to weight. After three weeks of indoor incubation, a latency period of 15 hours showed better weight gain than others. The best latency period achieved in this study was 11 hours.